How to Lay Concrete Blocks and Bricks

Use a pencil and paper to draw plans of how you want your brick or concrete block project to look. This should be drawn to scale to give you the best idea of how much materials you need. Drawing up plans also allows you to make any necessary changes before you start your project.

Call the organization in your area that marks off utility lines near the area where you plan to lay your concrete blocks or bricks.

Mark off the area using string and stakes. You will use this as a guide when you lay your blocks or bricks, so be precise when you make these lines.

Dig approximately 10 to 12 inches into the ground throughout the entire project area.

Fill the area with approximately 3 inches of gravel. Use a leveler to ensure the surface is flat and even before proceeding.

Add a 1-inch layer of sand on top of the gravel. Once again, this layer should be leveled off and even before you proceed.

Mix the mortar according to the instructions on the packaging, using the appropriate water-to-mortar ratio. Apply 1 inch of mortar to your project area using a trowel, smooth the area so it is even and level, and wait at least 24 hours for the area to dry completely.

Lay the first layer of blocks or bricks without any mortar, using the string you set up previously as your guide. Cut any bricks or blocks necessary to create an even surface. To do this, measure off the brick or block to the size you need, and mark the brick all the way around by gently tapping the chisel with a hammer to create small dents in the brick. Choose one of the dents, line up the chisel with the dent, and hammer it firmly. If done correctly, this should cause the brick or block to break in two.

Remove the bricks or blocks once they are situated properly; begin applying mortar and lay each brick or block one at a time. Use a trowel to apply 1 inch of mortar to the underside of the brick or block, and apply an even layer to the sides.

Use the sharp side of the trowel to wipe off any excess mortar as you lay the bricks.

Mark a story pole with a pencil, if your project involves multiple layers of bricks or blocks, to ensure each layer is level and even.